The Epiphany of the Lord

"Behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying 'Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.'" How strange to journey so far for perhaps so little. Of course the magi go to the capitol city. Of course they entreat with King Herod. Of course this is where they expect newborn royalty to be. But where is the child? "In Bethlehem of Judea," the scribes say. And so the magi go on to what is yet another Christmas miracle.

We don't know where the magi met the Christ Child, but it cannot have been lavish. Perhaps it was the stable. Perhaps it was a small hovel Joseph had found to wait out the census. But it would have been the home of a laborer, worn and threadbare. Here, in this unassuming abode, the magi are still "overjoyed...they prostrated themselves and did him homage."

Have you ever gotten to the end of a great work and found the results to be underwhelming? How did you respond? Were you disappointed or elated at God's providence and your upended expectations? The magi journeyed hundreds of miles over treacherous terrain to pay homage to royalty they have seen prophesied in the stars. They encountered an ordinary family displaced from their home. This Sunday, the magi are an example for us. Can we see God in the unexpected? Do we encounter Him in the person who doesn't fit our expectations of propriety? Do we revere Christ's presence in the poor? Or do we expect to meet God only in places of honor and esteem? This week, ask God for the grace to honor Him in the unexpected places and unassuming people. He is waiting for you!

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We are the Roman Catholic parish of St. Augustine, inspired by our patron who was led by the Holy Spirit to reflect the love of the Father through our Lord, Jesus Christ. Our mission is to create a community where we can live and share our Catholic Faith under the Roman Rite through prayer, proclamation of the Word of God, Sacramental Celebrations, Human and Spiritual Formation of the faithful; creating a strong Fraternity to transform our society and to foster the Salvation of souls.